Mercedes celebrates 90 years in Namibia

M+Z Motors in Windhoek helped celebrate a milestone this week as local automotive legacy collided with global heritage at the Mercedes-Benz ‘140 Years/140 Places’ world tour stop in Namibia.

The event marked three major anniversaries: 140 years since Karl Benz developed the first practical motor car in 1886, 120 years of M+Z’s existence in Namibia, and a 90-year official partnership between the two companies.

As part of the global celebration, Mercedes-Benz is driving an iconic S-Class across 140 countries.

Prime minister Elijah Ngurare made a brief appearance at the event to add an event sticker to the touring S-Class vehicle.

Welcoming a gathering of international delegates from Mercedes-Benz Germany and South Africa, alongside local industry leaders and government officials, M+Z dealer principal Richard Slamet reflected on the deep roots linking the brand to Namibian history.

“Tonight we have three numbers that tell quite a story: 140 years of Mercedes-Benz, 120 years of M+Z, and 90 years together in partnership,” he told guests.

“When you consider that M+Z has represented Mercedes-Benz for 90 of its 140 years, you realise just how deeply our histories are connected.”

Tracing the company’s local roots, Slamet recalled its origins at Lüderitz under founders Hermann Metje and Heinrich Ziegler.

“Our journey began 120 years ago at Lüderitz with Hermann Metje, later joined by Heinrich Ziegler,” he said.

“What started as a small business in construction and building materials would grow, adapt and ultimately become the M+Z we know today.

“Even after Heinrich Ziegler’s passing during the First World War, Hermann Metje chose to retain his partner’s name, and more than a century later, the names Metje and Ziegler still stand together.”

The firm’s commercial ties with the German automaker began in 1936 with commercial vehicles, expanding to passenger cars shortly after.

“Two years later, the first passenger car was brought into Namibia and M+Z delivered a beautiful Mercedes-Benz 170 V Cabriolet to Jurgen Voigts in October of 1938,” Slamet said.

“Eighteen years later, in 1956, M+Z Motors & Engineering was established, officially bringing Mercedes-Benz passenger cars into what was then known as South West Africa.”

Looking ahead to rapid technological shifts in electric mobility and artificial intelligence, Slamet stressed that the dealership’s role extends beyond selling vehicles.

“We are not simply selling vehicles. We are custodians of the Star in Namibia,” he said.

“Ultimately, our 90-year history isn’t really about buildings, dealerships or even cars. It is about the generations of M+Z employees who carried the star before us, the men and women in our team who proudly carry it today, and most importantly, the customers and families who have trusted M+Z and Mercedes-Benz.”

The evening concluded with official acknowledgements of the international executive team, including group managing director Ekko Eisenberg, group financial director Hendrik Venter, representatives from the Namibia Tourism Board, and visiting delegates from Germany and South Africa as the touring S-Class continues its journey across the globe.

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